Five and six years old. That is how old they are. I am 19 years old. By the time I am 30 my sister is going to be almost 16 years old. 16. Years. Old. Five and six year olds need to be watched when the parents are out shopping or at doctors’ appointments. Nannies and childcare programs cost a fortune. I am the next in line to watch them. It is simple and effortless.

I will say this a million times over. I AM NOT A BABYSITTER FOR MY SIBLINGS. No. I am their sister. We are family. Family is helpful towards one another. I do not understand those who are not willing to help and watch after their younger siblings. I get it! Older siblings have lives. I love going out with my boyfriend and friends for a full day of shopping, eating, and social media posting. That is why I plan around what is in my family calendar. If I know that my siblings are going to need looked after, then I will gladly look after them. They are family.

It was definitely more fun in the beginning. They were babies and you have to watch them learn new things every day. Watching them was like being a teacher. Which I am an education major, so that was one of the best hands on experiences. Now, they are rambunctious and being around toddlers is somewhat hard. However, being family, they are respectful.

I AM NOT A BABYSITTER FOR MY SIBLINGS. I am their role model, their friend, and their family. I am helpful towards my parents. They have done a lot for me and now I return the favor. I have even planned my apartment around having room for the kids to stay the night and come over to play. They are my family. NOT MY JOB.